Lee Cox and Bruin proudly took home the title of 'Best in Show' at Crufts this Sunday, making him the first Clumber Spaniel to win since 1991.
Since their victory, shocking details have now emerged regarding Lee Cox and Roger Stone, who were investigated by the RSPCA back in 2001.
Unnecessary suffering
Following a three-day trial, Cox and Stone were convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a black Cocker Spaniel named Adam, who was found living in terrible conditions.
Adam had suffered such a chronic ear infection, it required amputation at the time of his rescue. "To find a dog in Adam’s condition in a normal house would have been bad enough, but to find one in the care of two internationally renowned dog breeders was shocking" explained Inspector Jo Daniel, who visited the property.
"An isolated incident"
At the time of the hearing, it was reported that Cox had received a conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £5,000 by the court.
When asked about this discovery, a spokesperson for Crufts confirmed the conviction, stating it was "an isolated incident 25 years ago".
